JG: Great opening to the season

Boss John Gregory is delighted with Reds’ start to the 2014-15 League One campaign which sees us kick off against relegated Barnsley at Oakwell.

It is followed by three successive home games: a Capital One Cup fixture with Ipswich followed by visits from Swindon and Bradford to the Checkatrade.com Stadium.

Speaking from Sao Paolo, where John is on holiday watching the World Cup, he said: “It’s certainly going to be a tough opening game up at Oakwell but what a great challenge for the boys first up.

“Of course they were in the Championship last season but we will be going to a great stadium and will probably play in front of at least 10,000 up there so it’s an occasion to relish for everyone – players and supporters – so bring it on!

“We then have two home games against sides who were on the fringes of the play-offs for a lot of last season so that won’t be easy.

“But now the fixtures are out we can start doing some proper planning. It’s always an exciting day for everyone involved with a football club but when you look at some of the clubs we’re going to be up against it gives you an indication again of just how far we have come as a club. It’s brilliant – bring on the first game!”